A Professor of Applied Biochemistry at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Wahab Oluwanisola Okunowo has shared a ground-breaking biocontrol method for managing water hyacinth outbreaks.
Prof .Okunowo who was delivering the university's 23rd Inaugural Lecture for the 2024/2025 academic session, described Myrothecium roridum, as a highly virulent indigenous fungus which can be applied as herbicide for controlling the beautiful yet invasive water hyacinth within twenty-one (21) days.
The Professor of Applied Biochemistry pointed out this eco-friendly solution at the inaugural lecture titled From Cellular Metabolism to Biotechnological Applications: The Biochemist’s Journey, held at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, DLI, UNILAG
It was chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research) Professor Bola Oboh, and well attended by the University Management team, other members of the university community as well as the inaugural lecturer’s family, friends, colleagues, students, mentors, and mentees.
Sharing his journey which began at the cellular level and expanded into the vast landscape of biotechnology, Prof. Okunowo highlighted his commitment to solving real-world problems through sustainable science. Through his research works, he exemplified how biochemistry can drive innovation, improve public health, and support environmental resilience.
The Renowned professor, whose research contributions span plant pathology, microbial metabolomics, natural product pharmacology, and public health genetics, revealed:
The insecticidal power of orange peel oil, rich in natural compounds, as a safer alternative to synthetic pesticides. An innovation that could transform food security.
The antimicrobial potential of grapefruit peels and marine algae, showcasing the therapeutic promise of local natural resources.
His work on soybean diseases and its impact in the development of low-cost toxin detection methods and identification of genetic factors behind red leaf blotch, paving the way for disease-resistant crops.
His study on the USF1 gene which uncovered a variant that may protect against hyperlipidemia in Nigerians – advancing precision medicine tailored to the African population.
Professor Okunowo concluded his lecture with recommendations which stressed the need for:
Increased Government-University-Industry collaboration to foster research, policy formulation, food security and overall wellbeing of the nation.
Establishment of Plant Health Clinics by universities, to serve as hubs for farmers to get information and guidance to mitigate food loss caused by pests and diseases.
Public Awareness on the dangers of using chemical agents in food processing and preservation
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